Today, American Trim and Rhodes State College opened the doors to the new Advanced Materials Commercialization Center (AMCC) in Lima, Ohio. The opening of the center is a significant step forward in the development of the Physical Vapor Deposition (PVD) process targeted at large component applications. The AMCC is made possible by the partnership between American Trim and Rhodes State College and $1.38 million in funding from the Third Frontier Wright Project (an Ohio grant that supports organizations that effectively use research and development for new product innovation).

At the center of the AMCC is the PVD chamber - the largest of its kind in the world. PVD is a technique used to deposit thin film coatings onto various surfaces and represents a metal coating technology that is also environmentally friendly. "We are excited about the possibilities that this new process brings to the table for our customers," commented Steve Hatkevich, Director of Research and Development at American Trim. "This allows for the application of a "chrome-like" finish to virtually any substrate at a lower cost while potentially eliminating costly process steps typical in plating."

PVD brings with it the ability for American Trim to supply customers with actual sample parts showing the advanced coating on their product. While the chamber was primarily designed for decorative finishing in applications including bumpers, motorcycle parts (frames), appliances and automotive parts, there is potential for this technology to provide functional coating capability for solar panels, fuel cells, advanced energy systems and advanced medical instruments.

David Brown, Dean of Engineering and Information Technology at Rhodes State, stated, "The opening of the AMCC solidifies our mutual commitment to develop and commercialize innovative new technologies which ultimately lead to new production programs and, with them, employment opportunities for Ohio."

The AMCC is designed to attract development programs for the new larger application PVD technology. Potential customers can expect to find a fully functioning prototype production line which will serve as an incubator leading to full-speed production lines.

Inquiries should be directed to Jeff Schwieterman at American Trim (937-494-6369)